Sunrise on Camelback

Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trailhead. Dec 31, 2019 @ 7AM. Total Distance: 2.9 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,270 ft.

What’s amazing about this mountain is that it rises up in the middle of the city, surrounded by homes and businesses and development. It’s officially classified as Extremely Difficult (2 black diamonds); while it is only about 1.4 miles to the top, you do have to climb up a ridge, starting at a rescue chopper landing pad at about the 1-mile mark, that requires some rock scrambling. In my opinion, it’s a walk in the park compared to Flatiron. In any event, this is an extremely popular hiking trail, so it’s best to get there early. I started while it was still dark and was rewarded by a beautiful sunrise.